Strawberry Chocolate Cake: A Decadent & Easy Dessert

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries, this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is the ultimate dessert! This moist chocolate strawberry cake features layers of deep chocolate cake, luscious strawberry filling, and silky chocolate ganache—making it a stunning and delicious treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re searching for easy baking recipes desserts, a romantic cake for a special celebration, or simply some cake inspo, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers!

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What Is Strawberry Chocolate Cake?

A strawberry chocolate cake is a layered dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the fruity freshness of strawberries. This recipe features:

• Moist chocolate cake layers with deep cocoa flavor
• Fresh strawberry filling that adds a natural sweetness
• Chocolate ganache frosting for a smooth, luxurious finish

It’s one of the best strawberry cake recipes, blending the classic flavors of chocolate strawberry into a truly irresistible dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Moist: Perfectly soft chocolate cake with an indulgent texture.
• Balanced Sweetness: The strawberries add a fresh, fruity contrast to the deep chocolate.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or weekend baking.
• Simple Yet Elegant: A beautiful cake that looks and tastes like it’s from a bakery!
• Customizable: Make it as a layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120ml) hot coffee or hot water

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups (270g) dark chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh strawberries
• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Powdered sugar dusting

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (for batter, filling, and ganache)
• Electric mixer (for smooth cake batter)
• Cake pans (two 8-inch or 9-inch pans)
• Saucepan (for strawberry filling)
• Offset spatula (for frosting)
• Wire rack (for cooling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add buttermilk and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in hot coffee or water until smooth.
7. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
2. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften.
3. Stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened. Let cool.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

1. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
2. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Stir until smooth, then mix in butter. Let cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the top.
2. Add the second cake layer and cover with chocolate ganache frosting.
3. Smooth the sides and top with an offset spatula.

Step 5: Decorate & Serve

1. Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings.
2. Slice and enjoy your strawberry chocolate cake!

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Tips for the Best Strawberry Chocolate Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake soft.
• Cool the cake completely before frosting to avoid melting.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of strawberry extract to the filling.
• If ganache is too thin, let it sit longer to thicken before frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the hot coffee/water: This enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Not chilling the filling: Warm strawberry filling can make the cake layers slide.
• Overbaking the cake: It should be moist and tender, not dry.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake: Add a layer of melted chocolate between the layers.
• Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes: Bake in cupcake tins and top with whipped ganache.
• Layered Sheet Cake: Bake as a sheet cake and layer with strawberry filling.
• White Chocolate Ganache: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter taste.

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Make Ahead: The strawberry filling and ganache can be made a day in advance.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate strawberry cake pairs perfectly with:

• Whipped cream for extra lightness
• A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream
• Drizzled caramel or extra ganache
• A hot cup of coffee or tea

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FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking the filling.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a similar effect.

Can I use chocolate cake mix?

Yes! Use a store-bought mix and add the homemade strawberry filling and ganache.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion! With its rich chocolate layers, fresh strawberry filling, and silky ganache, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves sweet dishes recipes or easy baking recipes desserts.

Try this strawberry chocolate cake recipe today, and share your creation with family and friends! If you loved this recipe, subscribe for more sweet snacks recipes and cake inspo.

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